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We are proud to announce....
The adoption of a new Web-delivered K-8 technology literacy curriculum; Easy Tech. This curriculum will be replacing both Connected Tech (K-5) and Tech Connect (6-8). As of December 1, 2010, Connected Tech will no longer be available. We would highly recommend the use of Easy Tech instead of Connected Tech, but just know that if for some reason you find yourself needing to access Connected Tech, it will be available until December 1st.
Integrate technology skills into core instructionEasyTech, a proven, Web-delivered K-8 technology literacy curriculum, easily and effectively integrates technology into Math, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies. Engaging and interactive, EasyTech improves student learning outcomes in core curriculum subjects while it provides students with the skills they need for success in the 21st Century.
Engaging students with technology-based lessons
EasyTech's self-paced, interactive curriculum teaches students critical technology skills in the context of core curriculum and real world challenges.
Integrate 21st century and technology skills into instruction
With EasyTech, teachers don’t have to stop or change what they plan to teach to integrate technology and 21st century skills into their day. Instead, EasyTech provides comprehensive, scoped and sequenced lessons and activities that incorporate 21st century skills and technology skills into their curriculum.
Exceed E-Rate requirements for Internet safety education
EasyTech provides a comprehensive, grade-appropriate curriculum for Internet and technology safety that exceeds E-Rate requirements. Based on current research for how best to teach challenging online safety topics, the EasyTech Online Safety curriculum includes teacher and parent guides, and provides district reports that demonstrate E-Rate requirements are met.
Stay on top of tech updates
Because EasyTech is Web-delivered, Learning.com continuously updates its curriculum to reflect ongoing changes in technology, with, for example, recent additions that include digital citizenship, financial literacy and collaboration skills. EasyTech has also earned the ISTE Seal of Alignment to its NETS-S 2007 student standards.
Flexible Implementation
Self-paced and interactive. EasyTech is ideal for use in multiple settings, in the classroom, in computer labs, in extended day programs, and even at home, strengthing the school to home connection.
Save teachers time and headaches
More than a technology literacy curriculum, EasyTech is delivered through Sky, our digital learning environment. Sky provides teachers with online tools to individualize instruction, create their own lessons, to save time in classroom management tasks, and to collaborate and share best practices with other teachers.
Reference:
Learning.com. (2010). Easy Tech Overview. Retrieved August 26, 2010, from Learning.com: www.learning.com
How to Locate and Login to Easy Tech
For instructions please watch this short video on: "How to Locate and Login to Easy Tech."
Now that you are able to log into your Easy Tech account, let's take a brief tour of the program.
"A Guide to Easy Tech and Sky for New Users" video will provide a brief introduction and overview. The video will demonstrate the following:
Student View
- Explanation of Lesson Layout
- How students see teacher selected assignment
Teacher View
- How to create a class
- How to add curriculum
- How to enroll students
If you would like written instructions here is a PDF version of "A Guide to Easy Tech and Sky for New Users."
Let's Get Started!
The goal of this section will be to go through and complete steps 1-9. Once you have completed all of these steps, you are now ready and able to use Easy Tech!
| Step 1: |
Log into Easy Tech |
Video |
| Step 2: |
Create a class |
Video |
| Step 3: |
Assign curriculum |
Video |
| Step 4: |
Enroll Students |
Video / PDF |
| Step 5: |
Gradebook Basics |
Video / PDF |
| Step 6: |
Look at Settings |
Video / PDF |
| Step 7: |
See the Student View |
PDF |
| Step 8: |
Student Username and Passwords |
Video / PDF |
| Step 9: |
Edit your Profile |
Video |
Additional Guides, Resources and Support
Product Guides
Please see all Product Guides Available through Easy Tech @ http://platform.learning.com/help/et.htm
Easy Tech Customer Support
For customer support directly from Easy Tech support staff, please refer to their customer Support webpage @ http://platform.learning.com/help/support.htm
For customer support from the ITLS Department, please contact us at 527-1400.
ISTE Standards (NETS for Teachers 2008)
This workshop will help teachers accomplish the following standards:
1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
- Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers:
- a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness
- b. engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.
- c. promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.
- d. model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments.
2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
- Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers:
- a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.
- b. develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress.
- c. customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.
- d. provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching.
3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
- Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. Teachers:
- a. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
- b. collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.
- c. communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.
- d. model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning.
4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
- Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices. Teachers:
- a. advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.
- b. address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources.
- c. promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.
- d. develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools.
5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
- Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. Teachers:
- a. participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.
- b. exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others.
- c. evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.
- d. contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community.